UNSW architect wins industry's top award

UNSW Architecture alumnus and Faculty of the Built Environment Adjunct Professor, Richard Johnson, has been awarded the prestigious Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) 2008 Gold Medal.

Mr Johnson, principal of the architectural practice Johnson, Pilton Walker, is the creator and architectural protector of some of the nation's most important and iconic cultural buildings and spaces. Projects he has worked on include the Sydney Opera House refurbishment, the Art Gallery of NSW New Asian Wing, the Museum of Sydney, First Government House Place, and the new National Portrait Gallery in Canberra.

Awarded annually since 1960, the RAIA Gold Medal is the architectural profession's highest accolade and recognises distinguished service by architects who have designed or executed buildings of high merit, or who have produced works of distinction resulting in the advancement of architecture.

In awarding the prize, RAIA National President Alec Tzannes said the RAIA jury was acknowledging both Mr Johnson's "executed work of exceptional merit, and his outstanding contribution to the development of the profession in Australia".